Labour Policies and Globalisation

This programme uses research-led learning and a participatory teaching style: students and academic staff collaboratively create new knowledge, explore innovative research methods and study formats, and strengthen links between scholarly fields and trade union practice. The curriculum intentionally encourages interdisciplinary work and values the different cultural perspectives students bring to class.

Teaching places particular emphasis on contemporary labour issues in a globalised economy, combining theoretical perspectives with practical engagement. Where possible, the course integrates an internship and related reporting to ensure applied experience alongside classroom research and seminars. Students can expect active, project-based learning and opportunities to investigate new types of research and studying approaches.

The programme is structured around core modules, electives and a research seminar, culminating in a master’s thesis and a final oral examination. Sample course topics range from foundational labour studies and research methods to policy-focused modules on economic policy, workers’ rights and decent work in global value chains, with elective options allowing further specialisation.

Requirements / programme components (examples)

• Language of instruction: English
• Academic field: Social Sciences
• First semester (sample courses):
  • Trade Union Strategies in a Global Economy
  • Governance of Globalisation
  • Introduction to Labour Studies
  • One World Seminar
  • Research Methods
  • Internship and internship report
• Second semester (sample courses):
  • Economic Policy and the Role of the Trade Unions
  • Global Worker’s Rights
  • Decent Work in Global Value Chains
  • Electives (examples):
    • The Politics of Social Cohesion*
    • The Political Economy of Modern Capitalism*
    • Recent Developments in European Law*
    • Gender and Globalisation*
  • Research Seminar / Master Colloquium
• Final components:
  • Master’s thesis
  • Final oral examination

(*elective course examples)

Program overview

This intensive, one‑year Master's programme begins in the winter semester with teaching at the University of Kassel and continues in the second semester at the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin). The curriculum combines campus‑based study in two German cities, offering both academic depth and applied learning across institutions. Upon successful completion, the Master of Arts degree is awarded jointly by HWR Berlin and the University of Kassel.

Teaching formats and learning outcomes

Learning is delivered through a mix of formats designed to link theory and practice: a One World seminar, hands‑on workshops, supervised internships, small‑group tutorials, guest lectures from practitioners and policy experts, and study excursions. These components aim to strengthen students’ ability to analyse labour policies in a global context, translate academic frameworks into practical interventions, and build professional networks. By moving between seminar, workshop and workplace settings, graduates should gain analytical skills, practical experience, and exposure to policy debates and international perspectives relevant to labour and globalization.

Practical notes for international students

Studying at two institutions gives access to diverse faculty, professional contacts and field opportunities in different urban environments — plan ahead for the semester change and any relocation between Kassel and Berlin. The compact, one‑year structure is intensive, with practical elements (internships and excursions) embedded into the study plan to accelerate professional readiness.

Requirements / programme facts

• Duration: 1 academic year (starts in the winter semester)
• Structure: first semester at the University of Kassel; second semester at the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin)
• Teaching and study formats: One World seminar, workshops, internships, tutorials, guest lectures, excursions
• Degree: Master of Arts awarded jointly by HWR Berlin and the University of Kassel
• Mobility: participation in courses at both partner institutions and engagement in practical components (internships, excursions) are integral to the curriculum

Graduates are prepared for professional roles in international and national labour organisations, trade unions, workers’ councils of transnational companies, labour-related research foundations, and intergovernmental organisations such as the ILO. Typical positions include policy advisor, research analyst, project officer, or organiser within trade unions and NGOs, where graduates apply knowledge of labour policy, global value chains and workers’ rights.

The programme’s strong emphasis on internships, practical project work and connections to trade union practice also supports entry into consultancy, advocacy and academic research roles focused on labour policy, social dialogue and global governance. The joint degree and international orientation are advantageous for careers in European and international institutions and for further postgraduate research.